“The whole lap is challenging but if I was to pinpoint one section that stands out, it’s the Clark Esses and the following corner, Barcroft.

“This is a big, big commitment corner with the cars drifting at high speed as you start to brake. It catches your attention every lap.

“The crowds, probably even more so than at Brands Hatch, get really close to the circuit and can probably almost smell the oil and rubber, particularly those on the banks at the first corner. You certainly get the oohs and aahs at Croft.

“Above all, it’s just a great place. The North-east crowds are full of lovely people. Croft is one circuit I’d really miss if it wasn’t on the calendar.”

Giovanardi arrives as the in-form driver, having won twice at Thruxton last time out. He’s feeling confident of success but, if it doesn’t come his way, he says he’ll make sure it does later in the season.

“The car is so good and you can do any set-up changes and rely on it to respond very well,” he said. “I am so much more relaxed this year and very happy to race in BTCC.

“Croft should be another good result for VX Racing. I had solid point finishes at Croft last year and it’s a fun but tricky circuit.

“I don’t really care if I will be leading the drivers’ championship after Croft as long as I’m in the lead at the end of the season!”

One of the most popular drivers on the grid will be the charismatic Plato, equal second in the championship’s all-time winners’ chart with 36 victories - four of them at Croft.

He grew up in Newcastle and always enjoys his trips back ‘home’.

“I’m very passionate about the North-east and miss it dearly,”. he said.

“I love racing at Croft. It’s a great track and the people are fantastic. We get a tremendous welcome whenever we go back up there. They’re a different lot up north. They don’t get their fair share of motorsport so, when there is a big meeting, they all turn out and have a fantastic day.”

The action gets underway at 9.30am on Saturday with the first BTCC practice session.

With practice and qualifying out of the way, the first race of the weekend starts at 4.25pm when lights go green for the Formula Renault UK with Michelin drivers.

One Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and two Elf Renault Clio Cup races round off the day’s action.

Sunday’s ten-race schedule starts at noon although before then there is a pits walkabout/autograph session at 1020 and the BTCC drivers’ parade at 11.30.